Chapter 142 

It was by chance that he found Alexa.

At first, it was the sweet scent emanating from her that drew him in. The scent of the Red Clan was supposed to be repulsive, but Alexa’s was something different, an intoxicating aroma that could entrance even a wolf.

Like a cat lured by catnip, she had a scent that could beguile a wolf.

Still, Ysildus possessed the mental fortitude to resist such temptations. Surely, someone from the direct line of the Dephensores wouldn’t be so easily swayed.

And yet, Ysildus voluntarily rolled onto his back and exposed his belly.

[“Whine… whimper…”]

[“Wh-What is this… why is it so… cute?”]

That she would fall for such a petty trick, it could only mean Alexa’s wariness had reached rock bottom.

There had been times when his childish instincts got the better of him while living with Alexa, but most of his actions had been the product of careful calculation.

For instance, gnawing on her shoes to draw her attention when she was distracted, or launching an assault on the granary just to get her out of Visten’s office. Things like that.

Ysildus would do anything to get Alexa to look at him.

But wasn’t that understandable, given that he was a beast who couldn’t speak? If not through such antics, how else was he supposed to express himself?

‘I hate it when you pay attention to anyone else.’

Instead of saying it outright, he had chosen a different method. And thanks to efforts like that, this moment was even possible now, wasn’t it?

[Preparing for marriage… I never imagined I’d be the one saying something like this! But I heard I’ve managed to save quite a bit of money over the years. So, I told them I’d like to use that to prepare for it, but they told me it was out of the question. What do you think, Ysildus? Since it’s… our wedding… I wanted to ask.]

Ysildus could picture her fingers and toes curling up in embarrassment, maybe even disappearing altogether.

Even without seeing Alexa’s wide eyes darting about or the blush spreading across her cheeks, he could easily imagine it.

It was true that Alexa had likely saved up a considerable sum. And wasn’t she just unbearably cute, so much that he wanted to take a bite out of her? She wanted to plan everything together and talk it through.

Wasn’t this practically another proposal?

Ysildus picked up his quill pen. People instinctively distanced themselves from him as he began writing.

“He looks like he’s possessed, Lady Violeta…!”

“What’s happening? Is he going to be alright like this?”

“Is Lord Ysildus truly… in his right mind…?”

There was only one thing Violeta could say in response:

“Shh. As long as you don’t provoke him, he won’t bite.”

He’s a wolf with a master, after all…

* * *

“Hyah!”

Ruella spurred her horse forward, a rush of exhilaration coursing through her.

She had been granted a chance to kill Alexa. She would tear her apart, and in doing so, rid herself of all the foul emotions roiling within her. And if, afterward, she lost her wretched life, so be it.

Each time Ruella swung her arm, her whip lashed across the horse’s flank. Though they had taken a detour on Depier’s orders, they had been able to ride nonstop. The modified knights trailing behind her growled and drove the forest beasts from their path.

‘We’ve arrived…!’

Not far ahead, the banner of Thersion fluttered. The destination was in sight.

Thersion must have dispatched most of its forces to the capital. That meant Ruella’s group alone, with her modified knights, should be more than enough to wipe them out.

She gestured to the knights.

“Once we cross Thersion’s walls, you know what to do. Bring me the head of Prince Jeremiah.”

The knights, stripped of their humanity, let out guttural roars in place of words.

“And if you see that human wench, drag her to me. Understand?”

They responded with obedient growls.

Ruella nodded at the human knights accompanying her.

As they released the restraints, the modified knights charged forward, kicking off the ground. They were no longer human. In exchange for accepting the power of darkness, they had forfeited their humanity.

The monstrous knights slammed into the walls of Thersion.

“Time for us to get ready as well.”

“Yes, Lady Ruella.”

At Ruella’s chant, a magic circle began to take shape in the air. A pale blue light floated up around them.

* * *

Terrun scrunched his nose. In the dark, his eyes glowed an icy blue.

“They’ve come.”

Jeremiah gripped the hilt of his sword.

Though it looked as though Thersion was cloaked in silence, it was in fact alert, its senses sharpened to a deadly edge, with blades trained on the enemy. Terrun gave a slight nod and leapt into the abyss below.

“Filthy stench… not human, not beast. Are we to allow such things to set foot here?”

“Absolutely not!”

The howling of wolves rang out from all directions. The heated breath of beasts mingled with the wind, filling the grounds of Thersion with a sharp, biting tension.

“Knights of Thersion! Show them the price of daring to breach our walls!!”

Terrun soared into the air. His form swelled, silver fur enveloping his body. A massive wolf bared its fangs and landed heavily on the earth. Following his lead, the wolf-knights transformed into beings resembling the divine wolf.

Upon seeing this, Jeremiah descended from the battlement. He drew a gleaming blue sword from its sheath and walked toward the place he needed to be.

A brilliant magical circle was flaring up inside the mansion. There was only one person those reckless invaders could be after.

‘Alexa!’

Jeremiah drove his sword into the floor where the circle was forming.

“You will not cross this line!”

His voice thundered down the corridor.

“Oh my, the Ninth Prince. So this is where you were.”

Ruella smiled like a viper. The human knights with her all drew their swords.

Only two humans existed in this castle. If they took their heads, victory would be theirs. And now one of them had come to greet them, how fortunate!

Ruella extended her hand.

“Kill him and earn your glory! His Majesty awaits our triumph!”

Jeremiah tightened his grip on his sword.

“Haaah!”

The blade he had driven into the ground now sliced a fierce arc through the air.

* * *

Alexa blinked.

In the silence of the bedchamber, she and Essellia were doing embroidery for the bride’s veil. There was a belief that a veil decorated by one’s own hand would bring lifelong happiness.

“Ugh… I really don’t think I have any talent for this, Your Grace.”

“That’s not true, Alexa. Haven’t I told you before? Just do what you’re good at.”

Essellia replied gently.

“And really, this is more than good enough.”

Alexa compared her own embroidery, more like a squirming worm, to that of the head maid. Even Essellia’s stitches weren’t perfect, but they were leagues better than Alexa’s. That said, Alexa’s were nothing short of a disaster.

“Hmm. I hear noise, Jane. Turn up the music.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

At Jane’s signal, the conductor quickened his pace, and the music swelled. Alexa tilted her head, puzzled.

“Noise?”

“Nothing important, Alexa. The night beasts are just especially rowdy tonight.”

“O-oh. Rats…?”

“Some of that, perhaps. Why? Are you scared?”

“Ugh. Not scared, just… I don’t like them, Your Grace.”

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m right here with you. You don’t need to fear such things.”

Essellia reassured her with a gentle voice. Her sharp ears were picking up far more than Alexa could hear. The clash of swords, the howls of wolves…

No matter how chaotic it was outside, this room had to remain peaceful. So that small, fragile Alexa wouldn’t be startled or afraid.

Alexa pouted her lips and focused on her stitches.

At the same time, the conductor’s baton moved more swiftly, ensuring no one could disturb her.

* * *

Jeremiah parried three blades at once. Trained in Thersion, he was undeniably more skilled than any knight here.

But even he struggled to hold off Ruella’s spells as well. He was slowly being pushed back, until…

“Vermin, crawling into my castle uninvited. Who gave you permission to cross Thersion’s walls?”

“C-Carlisle Thersion…!”

Carlisle curved his lips in a chilling smile. He rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt and spoke.

“You mustn’t interfere with Alexa’s time. Isn’t that right, Jeremiah?”

“Your Grace…!”

Jeremiah turned to him. Carlisle approached calmly, without even drawing his sword, and patted Jeremiah on the head.

“Well done, Jeremiah.”

Jeremiah’s eyes widened, his lips pressing together. To receive praise from Carlisle more than anyone else, it stirred something deep inside him.

Carlisle Thersion’s name had echoed through the halls of Thersion during Jeremiah’s training. Among the many greats who resided here, none had ever surpassed him.

Carlisle extended his snow-white hand. With just one grasp of the wrist, the knight screamed and dropped his sword.

“Well then. I’ve got myself a weapon. Who’s next? This handsome, powerful, kind-hearted Grand Duke will take you on.”

Black trousers and a white shirt, simple, relaxed attire. Yet Carlisle singlehandedly seized control of the entire corridor’s atmosphere.

……

T/N: 

Alexa and Essellia: *busy with sewing*

Carlisle, Ysildus, Terrun and Jeremiah: *busy fighting*

Hahahahahaha